Cranmore finish top despite defeat

Cranmore secured top spot in Division 5 of the Somerset Cricket League for the first time in 32 years, despite suffering a heavy final-day defeat at East Coker.

Going into Saturday's game needing five points to secure the title, Cranmore gained seven to leapfrog Mark in the standings.

In a successful season for the club, the second team finished fourth – their highest-ever position.

The club would like to thank team sponsors The Charlton Inn, as well as all the match ball sponsors. Anyone interested in joining the club can call Darren Butt on 07891 977983, with net sessions starting in January.

Chard 750 255-7 Cranmore 3rd XI 205 (Chard won by 50 runs)

Two centuries from Chard's top three batsmen condemned Cranmore's third team to defeat in their penultimate contest of the campaign.

G Johnson (103) started the game well for the home team, putting together an opening stand of 61 with his son N Johnson (9). With the fall of the first wicket, things only got better for Chard as H Denning (120), together with the elder Johnson, shared a partnership worth 152.

Johnson eventually fell to a stunning caught and bowled effort from Steve Angel (1-33), sparking something of a collapse. Four of the next five Chard batsmen failed to score as a devastating spell from Dave Hall (6-58) restricted the home team to 255-8.

In reply, the visitors started well, with opening pair Angel (26) and Nick White (18) putting on 51. Like Chard, Cranmore's middle order proved frail, however, with wickets from B Lang (3-69) reducing them to 66-4.

The star of the second innings was undoubtedly Tom Carpenter (93). In partnership with Micky Keene (19) and then Richie Stone (7), he took Cranmore to within sight of victory at 194-5 off 33 overs, needing just 62 to win off the final 12.

Denning (4-26) struck back with a flurry of wickets, however, to wrap up the Cranmore tail and victory by 50 runs.